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Is this what a feminist looks like?

With an exhibition title like “Big Swinging Ovaries” it’s probably obvious that artist Jess de Wahls is a feminist. What’s less obvious is that “Big Swinging Ovaries” brings together art, feminism and recycling to create portraits of diverse female role models.

Jess says “The aim is to start a dialogue around what it means to be a feminist and show that something valuable can be created from things that others think are worthless, whilst also conveying the importance of female role models, in our current society and for future generations.”

The exhibition features hand-sewn 3D portraits of inspiring female role models, including Beyonce, Vivienne Westwood and Frida Kahlo. I have to admit some bias here as I’m honoured to be featured in one of the portraits (I’ve not seen it yet).

Jess has spent the last year working hard creating the RE TEX sculptures, RE TEX standing for REcycled TEXtile sculpting, the material for the sculptures coming from friends and family’s unwanted clothes.

“Big Swinging Ovaries” the exhibition will run for 11 days, with the opening night on 8 March 2014: International Women’s Day at 13 Whitcomb Street, London WC2H 7HA.